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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic gastroenterologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists, along with physicians and support staff in other specialty areas, have extensive experience in the treatment of esophageal cancer. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques, and a wide array of treatment options, our teams of specialists work together to determine the extent of the cancer and formulate a treatment plan that offers compassionate, individualized care for each patient.
Our involvement in research and clinical trials places us in a position to manage complex cases and implement innovative treatments that may not be available in other locations.
Mayo Clinic is one of the world's largest and most experienced medical centers for esophageal surgery, performing about 150 esophageal resections each year. The average hospital in the United States performs fewer than five surgical resections for esophageal cancer patients each year. A 2003 study in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery concluded that patients who undergo this surgery at hospitals that perform few esophageal surgeries had an increased chance of postoperative complications and death. In addition, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota ranked No. 1 among U.S. hospitals in the specialty of digestive disorders in the 2008 U.S. News Best Hospitals ranking.
Esophageal cancer is usually diagnosed with an endoscopic examination of the esophagus or a barium swallow X-ray. A computed tomography (CT) scan may also be performed to obtain an overall image of the esophagus and surrounding organs to determine if the disease has spread. Read more about esophageal cancer diagnosis.
Treatment programs are tailored to each individual based on the extent of the cancer. Treatment takes into account the needs of the patient and family while providing state-of-the-art care and access to the latest treatments and appropriate clinical trials. Read more about esophageal cancer treatment.
Esophageal cancer is a malignant growth in the esophagus, the tube that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach. About 90 percent of tumors in the esophagus are malignant. The disease is two to three times more common in men than women and is usually diagnosed in people ages 50 to 70.
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The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell says he survived esophageal cancer thanks to the multidisciplinary treatment and encouragement he received from his Mayo Clinic medical team.
Read Robert's story.
See all patient stories related to Esophageal Cancer.
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